Snap! What to Do When Your Garage Door Springs Break.

If your garage door suddenly won’t open, makes a loud bang, or the motor is really struggling to lift the door, there is a good chance your spring has snapped! 

A broken spring is a common occurrence and something we fix most days. Garage doors rely on springs to do all the heavy lifting, making opening and closing feel effortless. The most common type of spring on a panel lift door is known as a torsion spring, which twists above the door to lift and lower it. 

These springs are under serious tension, which is why they can be dangerous to handle yourself. Most garage door springs break because of normal wear and tear. They’re built for 10,000–15,000 cycles, which usually lasts about 7–10 years, but eventually all that tension catches up with them. Rust, moisture, or salty air can weaken the metal, and skipping maintenance like lubrication or inspections doesn’t help. 

Other culprits include off-balance doors, heavy or frequently used doors, extreme temperature changes, or using springs that aren’t the right size or quality. Often the break happens suddenly, but there may be warning signs first - like squeaks, visual distortion, uneven movement with a 'twang' sound during operation, or a door that’s harder to lift than usual. 

So, how can you tell if a spring has actually broken? Everyone we have spoken to who is anywhere near the door will hear a very loud BANG! Often they initially think it's a car crash or a ball hitting the door. Often it's often not noticed until there is trouble opening the door either with the motor or manually. There will be a visible gap in the spring as it will have split into 2 parts. 

If your spring is broken, step back and don’t use the door. Because the springs hold the weight of the door, if you try to use the door with a broken spring, it cause cause the motor to break too! Additionally, garage door springs are under enough tension to cause serious injury. Replacing a garage door spring typically costs from $300 for a single door and $450 for a double, depending on the type of spring, the door size, and how tricky the installation is. While it might feel like a big number, fixing it promptly can prevent bigger problems - and keep your garage and everything in it safe. 

At Back On Track Garage Doors, we specialise in spring repairs and replacements. Ash can handle all types of springs, making sure your door opens smoothly and safely every time. We offer transparent pricing, fast service, and the know-how to get your garage door back in action without the stress.

If your garage door springs snap or show signs of wear, contact Back On Track Garage Doors today and get expert help fast. Your garage (and your sanity) will thank you!

Snap!

Don’t let a broken spring leave you stuck - contact Back On Track Garage Doors today for fast, safe, and reliable repairs!